IMMUNE THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA

An immune disorder that results in a low number of PLATELETS in the blood. A common disorder in people with HIV, it often resolves as IMMUNE DEFICIENCY worsens. HIV-related ITP usually does not have serious consequences. Its cause has not been definitely determined, but probably has to do with the large number of ANTIBODY-ANTIGEN complexes sponged up by platelets; antibody-coated platelets are destroyed in the spleen. Treatment with AZT (Zidovudine) or an INTRAVENOUS IMMUNOGLOBULIN (IVIG) frequently alleviates the condition.